Patrick A. Piper, age 71 of Ponte Vedra, FL, formerly of Naperville, IL, passed away peacefully, Sunday, February 15, 2026 surrounded by his family following a brief but brave fight with an aggressive cancer. He was born February 21, 1954 in Peoria, IL to his loving late parents, Robert and Marjorie Piper. Cherished husband of Carole. Beloved father of Keith (Caroline) Piper of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Scott Piper of Chicago, IL, and the late Jaclyn and Kevin Piper. Adored, new grandfather of Reagan Amelia Piper. Loving brother of Stephen (Jane) Piper of Champaign, IL, Nancy (Bert Bill) Piper of Palm Coast, FL and the late Daniel Piper. Fun-loving uncle to several nieces and nephews, and brother-in-law to many.
Through Pat’s childhood in Peoria & Naperville, he developed an infectious personality with the ability to make friends wherever he went. High school friends turned into family, and college friends remain close to this day. Pat was a decorated competitive swimmer, holding school records at Naperville Central High School and then continuing his passion at Illinois State University.
Following a dedicated career in sales, working 29 years at Prudential, Pat was an active member of the Naperville community. He committed his time as a substitute teacher, a coach for both Maverick Swim Club and Fox Valley Swim Team, and a pool manager at Naper Carriage Hill. Kids regularly cheered when they walked into the classroom and Mr. Piper was their sub, probably because he let them get away with anything. In the pool, one of Pat’s greatest joys was mentoring young swimmers and helping them reach their goals.
After fully retiring in 2024, Pat and Carole began a new chapter of their lives and moved to Florida. Never one to sit still, Pat was quick to meet new friends on the pickleball courts and say yes to every social event on the calendar. Though his time was cut short, Pat embraced this new lifestyle which highlighted the importance of surrounding himself with love and laughter everywhere he went. His energy was contagious, his humor unforgettable (and often edgy), and his kindness genuine and boundless.
Despite all of his accolades and endearing friendships, Pat’s most proud accomplishment was his family. Married to Carole for 42 years, they built their life together in Naperville and enjoyed raising their family alongside many close friends. They traveled extensively, adventuring on multiple-week road trips, cruises, and visits to friends and family. Pat got a sense of pride from supporting Keith and Scott’s swimming and professional careers and participating in the joy of their personal lives, where he could see the values he instilled in them carried out on a daily basis. In December, Pat was promoted to the new role of Grandpa and was looking forward to endless laughs, reading, and adventures with Reagan. Pat’s immediate and extended family is left with a massive hole in our hearts, knowing he was one of a kind and can never be replaced. We will always remember his jokes, think of him when we gather for a meal, and take comfort in knowing so many people are telling stories about him on a daily basis. He truly will never be forgotten by any of those who loved him.
Pat will be remembered not only for his dedication to family and friends, but also for his warmth, optimism, and gift for bringing people together. A visitation will be held at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home at 10am on Monday, February 23rd, followed by a funeral service at St. John Paul II Catholic Church at 1pm. A celebration of life will be held in Naperville this summer, with details to be finalized and shared with all who considered Pat a dear friend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help children and families in need.
